Senior Product Designer

ING
Full-timeSydney, Australia

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: ING

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI)

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Drive end-to-end digital experiences across mobile and digital platforms, encompassing discovery, research, ideation, prototyping, usability testing, and delivery.

  • Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, brand, and digital stakeholders to craft seamless, mobile-first digital experiences.

  • Champion human-centred design principles, advocating for quality, accessibility, and consistency across the organization's digital ecosystem.

  • Influence product strategy and shape ING's future design direction through strong communication, strategic thinking, and by bringing bold ideas to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a need for significant autonomy, strategic input, and potential mentorship capabilities. The focus on "reimagining what banking feels like" and tackling "complex customer challenges" suggests a high level of responsibility in shaping user journeys within a regulated industry. The emphasis on "mobile-first" and "end-to-end experiences" highlights the critical need for a candidate with a holistic understanding of the product development lifecycle and user-centric design methodologies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead the design process for complex banking products and services, including consumer lending, mortgages, digital platform experiences, conversational banking, insurance, and superannuation.

  • Conduct user research and usability testing to gather insights and validate design decisions, ensuring solutions meet customer needs and business objectives.

  • Develop and iterate on wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs that effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

  • Translate complex functional requirements into intuitive and engaging user interfaces, prioritizing clarity and ease of use.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams in an agile environment, ensuring design integrity is maintained throughout the development lifecycle from concept to launch.

  • Advocate for design best practices, including accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles, to ensure all users can effectively interact with ING's digital products.

  • Mentor and guide junior designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing design culture within the Digital Tribe.

  • Contribute to the evolution of ING's design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across all digital touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The breadth of banking products mentioned (lending, mortgages, insurance, superannuation) implies the need for a designer comfortable with diverse user needs and regulatory considerations. The responsibility for "influencing strategy" and "shaping ING's design direction" suggests this role requires more than just execution; it demands strategic partnership and thought leadership within the design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is highly valued.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in digital product design, with a strong track record of designing and delivering successful digital products and experiences.

Required Skills:

  • Deep expertise in Figma, including advanced features for collaboration, prototyping, and component management.

  • Proven proficiency in prototyping tools and methodologies to effectively demonstrate user flows and interaction design.

  • Strong understanding and practical application of human-centred design principles and methodologies.

  • Solid grasp of information architecture principles to structure complex digital products logically and intuitively.

  • Demonstrated experience in designing for mobile-first and responsive digital platforms.

  • Ability to conduct and interpret user research and usability testing to inform design decisions.

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence stakeholders.

  • Experience working effectively in agile and fast-paced environments.

  • Proven ability to think strategically and translate business objectives into design solutions.

  • A strong portfolio showcasing a range of digital product design work, demonstrating craft, strategic thinking, and measurable outcomes. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with motion design to enhance user experience and add dynamic elements.

  • Familiarity with design tokens for managing design system consistency and scalability.

  • Experience within the financial services or banking industry.

  • Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1) and best practices for inclusive design.

  • Experience with design systems and their implementation.

  • Mentorship or team leadership experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years of experience" combined with the "Senior" title suggests a need for candidates who can operate independently and provide strategic direction. The explicit mention of Figma and human-centered design, alongside the preference for motion design and design tokens, indicates a modern, sophisticated design stack and approach. The emphasis on a portfolio demonstrating "measurable outcomes" is critical for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of experience in designing digital products and experiences.

  • Demonstrations of end-to-end design processes, from initial discovery and user research through to final delivery and iteration.

  • Case studies detailing complex problems tackled, design solutions proposed, and the strategic thinking behind them.

  • Evidence of measurable outcomes and impact resulting from your design work (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction, reduced task completion times).

  • Examples of mobile-first design and responsive design solutions.

  • Clear articulation of your role and contributions within team projects. Process Documentation:

  • Workflow designs and optimization strategies applied to specific product features or user journeys.

  • Implementation of user-centered design methodologies and testing protocols.

  • Documentation of how design decisions were influenced by user research, data, and business requirements.

  • Examples of how you have advocated for and implemented design consistency and accessibility standards.

  • Demonstrations of collaboration with product managers and engineers throughout the development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio demonstrating "strategic thinking" and "measurable outcomes" is paramount for a Senior Product Designer role. This implies that candidates should not just present visually appealing designs but also articulate the problem, their process, the rationale, and the quantifiable impact of their work. Expect to walk through your case studies in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in Sydney, Australia, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is AUD $120,000 - $170,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in Sydney, the seniority of the role, and the specialized skills required in the financial technology sector.

Benefits:

  • Discounted ING Health Insurance: Access to preferential rates on health insurance plans.

  • An additional Rest Day: A dedicated day off per year to support personal wellbeing and work-life balance.

  • An IMPACT Day: Opportunity to volunteer for approved sustainability activities, aligning with ING's commitment to social responsibility.

  • Competitive Superannuation contributions as per Australian regulations.

  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, ING promotes a culture that balances productivity with employee wellbeing, potentially offering some flexibility within the standard working week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on current market data for Senior Product Designers in Sydney. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as internal ING compensation structures. The benefits listed are direct inclusions from the job description, with context added for their relevance to a professional role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Banking Technology. ING operates within a highly regulated and competitive industry, emphasizing innovation, customer trust, and digital transformation to maintain its market position. This context means design solutions must be both user-friendly and compliant.

Company Size: ING is a large, global financial institution. This scale implies robust processes, a structured environment, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across diverse teams and geographies. For operations professionals, this can mean access to extensive resources and established best practices, alongside potential for navigating larger organizational structures.

Founded: ING was founded in 1991 through the merger of three Dutch companies, growing into a significant international banking group. Its history reflects a journey of consolidation and expansion, with a strong focus on digital innovation in recent decades.

Team Structure:

  • The role is within the "Digital Tribe," a cross-functional unit focused on developing and enhancing ING's digital customer experiences.

  • This tribe likely includes Product Managers, Engineers (front-end, back-end, mobile), Designers (UX/UI, Product), Data Analysts, and potentially QA specialists.

  • The Senior Product Designer will report into a Design Lead or Head of Product Design within the Digital Tribe, collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads. Methodology:

  • Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) are central to the Digital Tribe's workflow, emphasizing iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid adaptation.

  • Human-centred design is a core tenet, ensuring that user needs and behaviours are at the forefront of all design and development efforts.

  • Data-driven decision-making is crucial, with designs informed by user analytics, A/B testing results, and market research.

Company Website: https://www.ing.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: ING's status as a major bank means that while innovation is encouraged, it must be balanced with security, compliance, and risk management. The "Digital Tribe" structure indicates a modern, agile approach to product development, fostering collaboration between design, product, and engineering. The emphasis on "doing things differently, the ING way" suggests a unique company culture that values innovation within established frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, signifying a significant level of experience and responsibility. It's a position for an individual contributor who is expected to lead design initiatives, mentor others, and contribute strategically to the product vision. This level typically involves owning complex projects, influencing team direction, and solving challenging design problems independently.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Design within the Digital Tribe. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads, forming a core part of the product development team.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's work directly impacts millions of Australians' daily banking experiences. By creating seamless, intuitive, and rewarding digital interfaces, they contribute to customer satisfaction, loyalty, operational efficiency (through self-service), and ultimately, ING's business growth and market reputation. Their designs can influence how customers perceive ING's brand and its commitment to simplicity and human connection.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized areas like advanced prototyping, motion design, design systems, or accessibility. Opportunity to lead design initiatives for major product launches.

  • Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Lead Product Designer role, managing a small team, or a Design Manager position. Mentorship opportunities are inherent in this senior role.

  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of product management, engineering processes, and business strategy within the financial services sector.

  • Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping ING's design philosophy and potentially participate in industry events or thought leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Senior role, growth is not just about promotion but also about deepening expertise and increasing strategic influence. Candidates should look for opportunities to not only execute but also to lead, mentor, and contribute to the broader design strategy and culture within ING. The impact of this role is significant, touching millions of users and directly influencing business outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment within ING's Sydney location. This suggests a collaborative atmosphere where in-person interaction with colleagues is encouraged.

Office Location(s): Sydney, Australia. Specific office details (e.g., building name, amenities) are not provided but can be assumed to be a professional corporate setting within the Sydney CBD or a major business hub.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace designed to foster teamwork, with opportunities for brainstorming, whiteboarding sessions, and direct collaboration with product managers, engineers, and other designers.

  • Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma), prototyping tools, and potentially internal design systems and collaboration platforms.

  • Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, stand-ups, design reviews, and cross-functional project discussions will be part of the daily routine. The emphasis on "doing things differently, the ING way" suggests an environment that encourages open communication and diverse perspectives.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, implying a standard work week. While on-site, ING's culture aims to balance work with wellbeing, suggesting that adherence to standard hours will be expected, with potential for some flexibility managed by team leads.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office setting, which can offer benefits like spontaneous collaboration and clearer work-life separation compared to fully remote roles. The focus on "human-centred" and "human experiences" within the company description suggests the physical workspace likely supports creative collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical Senior Product Designer interview process at a company like ING would likely include:

  • Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.

  • Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, and strategic thinking. This may be followed by a take-home design challenge or an in-person/virtual whiteboarding session to assess problem-solving skills and design approach in real-time.

  • Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other designers or business stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills, communication, and alignment with team dynamics.

  • Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Design, Director of Product) to confirm strategic fit and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Structure: Organize your portfolio into 3-4 of your strongest case studies. Each case study should clearly outline the problem, your role and process, the challenges faced, your design solutions, and the outcomes achieved.

  • Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rates, engagement metrics, user satisfaction scores).

  • Highlight Strategy: For this Senior role, emphasize your strategic thinking. Explain why you made certain design decisions and how they aligned with business goals and user needs.

  • Showcase Craft: Include high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and potentially visual design elements to showcase your aesthetic sensibility and attention to detail.

  • Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to walk through each case study, answer in-depth questions about your process, and discuss how you handle feedback and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Context: Anticipate design challenges related to financial services, mobile banking, or complex user flows.

  • Focus on Process: Demonstrate a clear, human-centered design process. Show how you would approach discovery, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

  • Communicate Clearly: Articulate your thought process verbally and visually. Use whiteboarding or digital tools effectively.

  • Consider Constraints: Be mindful of potential technical, business, and regulatory constraints inherent in banking products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "measurable outcomes" and "strategic thinking" in the job description means the portfolio review will be highly critical. Candidates should prepare to defend their design decisions with data and strategic rationale, not just aesthetic preferences. The interview process will likely test not only design skills but also collaboration and communication within an agile, regulated environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as a required skill, indicating it's the primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration within the design team. Proficiency in its advanced features (components, auto-layout, collaboration tools) is expected.

  • Prototyping Tools: While Figma has robust prototyping capabilities, experience with other specialized tools (e.g., InVision, Principle, ProtoPie) may be beneficial for more complex interactions.

  • User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Hotjar, SurveyMonkey).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web/Mobile Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or internal product analytics platforms to understand user behaviour and measure design impact.

  • Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for analysing user data and presenting insights, though this might be more within the domain of data analysts, understanding how to interpret these reports is key.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly a designer's tool, an understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms integrate with customer-facing digital products can be beneficial for a holistic view of the customer journey. Other Potential Tools:

  • Design System Management Tools: Familiarity with how design systems are built, maintained, and utilized (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook).

  • Project Management Tools: Experience with Agile tools like Jira or Confluence for tracking tasks and collaborating with engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma is a strong indicator of the primary design tool. Candidates should emphasize their proficiency here. While other tools are beneficial, Figma expertise is non-negotiable. Understanding analytics and how design impacts business metrics is also crucial for demonstrating strategic value.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Simpler, Smarter, Human: ING's core ethos is to make banking easy and accessible. This translates to a value placed on clear, intuitive design and a focus on customer needs.

  • Do Your Thing: This value promotes individuality, autonomy, and encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and talents to their work. It suggests a culture that supports creativity and self-expression.

  • Purpose-Driven: The company emphasizes creating positive customer impact and making a difference, aligning with the desire for meaningful work.

  • Agile & Innovative: A culture that embraces change, experimentation, and continuous improvement, encouraging designers to push boundaries and adapt quickly.

  • Inclusive & Supportive: ING is committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where everyone feels they belong and can contribute fully.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: High degree of collaboration between Design, Product Management, and Engineering within the Digital Tribe, working closely on agile teams.

  • Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, feedback exchange, and constructive critique to drive design quality and innovation.

  • Shared Ownership: A sense of collective responsibility for product success, where designers, PMs, and engineers work together towards common goals.

  • Human-Centred Advocacy: Designers are expected to be strong advocates for the user, bringing user insights and empathy into team discussions and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Do Your Thing" and "Human-Centred" values suggest a culture that empowers individuals while remaining deeply focused on customer outcomes. For a Senior Designer, this means having the autonomy to innovate and influence, while always grounding decisions in user needs and business objectives. The emphasis on DEI is also a significant cultural indicator.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Designing innovative digital experiences within the highly regulated financial services sector requires creativity and a deep understanding of compliance requirements.

  • Complex User Needs: Catering to a diverse customer base with varying levels of digital literacy and financial needs, from basic transactions to complex investment decisions.

  • Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the needs and priorities of multiple stakeholders (Product, Engineering, Brand, Legal, Compliance) to ensure design solutions are feasible and widely supported.

  • Pace of Change: Keeping up with rapid technological advancements and evolving customer expectations in the digital banking space while maintaining high-quality design standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced UX research methodologies, interaction design for complex systems, or inclusive design practices.

  • Industry Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of financial products, market dynamics, and regulatory landscapes within the Australian banking sector.

  • Mentorship and Leadership: Developing leadership skills through mentoring junior designers, leading design initiatives, and potentially contributing to the strategic direction of the design team.

  • External Training & Conferences: Access to professional development resources, industry conferences, and workshops to stay abreast of the latest design trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in the financial industry (regulation, complexity) present significant opportunities for a designer to develop specialized expertise and problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening both technical design craft and strategic leadership within a large, established organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to influence a product roadmap based on user research findings. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Tests strategic thinking, influence, and impact.)

  • "How do you approach designing for complex financial products with multiple user segments and regulatory considerations?" (Assesses understanding of industry specifics and ability to handle complexity.)

  • "Walk me through your process for tackling a completely new feature or product from discovery to delivery. What are the key checkpoints?" (Evaluates end-to-end design process and methodology.)

  • "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your design decisions?" (Probes problem-solving and prioritization skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about ING and the financial services industry specifically?" (Assesses motivation and cultural alignment.)

  • "How do you embody the 'Do Your Thing' value in your work?" (Tests understanding of company culture and personal approach.)

  • "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with engineers or product managers who had different priorities. How did you resolve it?" (Evaluates collaboration and conflict resolution skills.)

  • "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for all users?" (Checks alignment with ING's values and industry best practices.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative: the challenge, your journey, the solution, and the impact.

  • Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, interactive prototypes, and clear diagrams to illustrate your points effectively.

  • Role Clarity: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in team projects. Use "I" when describing your actions.

  • Metrics & ROI: Be prepared to discuss the quantitative impact of your designs. If exact ROI is unavailable, discuss how your designs contributed to key business goals or user outcomes.

  • Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs made, and how you would approach similar challenges in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for not only strong design skills but also strategic thinking, collaboration capabilities, and a cultural fit with ING's values. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on the 'why' behind your design decisions and their measurable impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided application link on the ING careers portal.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate experience with complex digital products, mobile-first design, and ideally, financial services or similar regulated industries. Emphasize case studies showing end-to-end process, strategic thinking, and measurable outcomes.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5+ years of experience, highlighting key skills such as Figma, human-centered design, information architecture, and stakeholder management. Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples to answer behavioral and situational questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with ING's mission, values (especially "Simpler, Smarter, Human" and "Do Your Thing"), and recent digital initiatives. Understand the Australian banking landscape and common user challenges.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

The role requires 5+ years of experience in digital product design with deep expertise in Figma and information architecture. Candidates must demonstrate strong strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a portfolio showcasing high-quality, mobile-first design outcomes.